Looking for Good, Safe, Steep Snow Spots

[RyanStewart]

Hey all,

 

I'm looking to get more experience on steep snow. I've never really had a problem with steep snow on climbs I've done, but I was on a trip last week and realized that I'm just not as comfortable as I want to be.

 

Any suggestions for places/routes that have a decent length of 50-60 degree slopes where a fall wouldn't end up in a crevasse?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

=Ryan

[KaskadskyjKozak]

 

North Twin Sister (N face I think). It is about 50 degrees at the top and eases going down. It may be melted back by now, but you may be in luck if you hit it soon.

 

 

[Fromage]

North side of Silver Peak, just east of Snoqualmie Pass. I was just up there skiing last week. Lots of snow. It's not super steep, but there are no crevasses (it's not glaciated) and the slopes are wide open with no trees or large debris to hit if you go for Mister Toad's Wild Ride.

 

Bonus: you can drive up dirt roads past the PCT and hike in easily. From car to steep snow is about one hour. Plus you can scramble the ridge to the summit while you're up there.

 

It's good to practice travel on snow to build confidence and it's even better to have an experienced friend teach you some skills on footwork. Walking efficiently in the snow is not as easy as it sounds, and the steeper it gets the more important technique becomes. Have fun wherever you go!